Croydon Council has teamed up with a recruitment agency to help people get into work when the benefit cap is introduced next month.

The programme, run jointly by the council and Reed aims to help more than 800 residents get into work by 2015.

Those claiming working tax credit are exempt from the benefit cap.

To be eligible for the scheme, one member of the household must be claiming an out-of-work benefit such as job seekers allowance or income support.

Once on the programme, job seekers will have a dedicated adviser who will work closely with them to assess their needs and provide the best support.

This could include preparation for work such as writing CVs, application forms and interview practice.

The council is also working with the Jobcentre Plus and Citizens Advice Bureau to identify and support those most in need of help finding work. Dedicated Jobcentre Plus officers are based in Access Croydon at Taberner House to offer advice.

Computer access is available free of charge for job hunting and the council’s Meeting Point project offers one-to-one support with job matching, work placements, training courses and mentoring.

Open day sessions are held every Friday from 10am to 3pm at the Skills and Development Agency, 2nd Floor, Suffolk House East entrance, George Street.

Councillor Vidhi Mohan, cabinet member for communities and economic development, said: “Finding work and claiming working tax credit is the best way of managing the benefit changes.

“We are working closely with Jobcentre Plus and Reed to provide the right support to individuals looking for work or training.

“There is a range of free help available, whether it’s writing CVs, coming up with a programme on getting into work or browsing job vacancy databases.”

For more information on the Reed programme call 020 8274 4245.

To find out about the benefit changes visit croydon.gov.uk/benefitchanges